Ariano Irpino Cathedral

Ariano Irpino Cathedral, sometimes Ariano Cathedral (Italian: Duomo di Ariano or Ariano Irpino, Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta), is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Ariano Irpino, in the province of Avellino, Campania, Italy, dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. It was formerly the episcopal seat of the diocese of Ariano, and is now that of the diocese of Ariano Irpino-Lacedonia.

Ariano Cathedral is a Romanesque building on a Latin cross groundplan, with three naves under groin vaulting, crossed by an elevated transept, terminating in the presbytery. The cathedral is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and to Saint Ottone Frangipane, principal protector of the city. In 1984 John Paul II granted it the title of a basilica minor.

Originating from the 10th century and built on the ancient ruins of a temple of Apollo, the building has been repeatedly ravaged by earthquakes and pillaging, leading to countless repairs and refurbishments over the centuries. Of the original structure all that is known is that it was ruined in an earthquake of 988. It was quickly rebuilt, and the new cathedral remained standing until 1255, when the troops of Manfred stormed the city wall and destroyed the entire city, including the cathedral, because of its loyalty to the papacy. The new king, Charles of Anjou, when he had defeated Manfred, had all the places rebuilt which Manfred had destroyed, including Ariano and its cathedral, although it was not completed until 1309. The new building was devastated by the earthquakes of 1389 and 1456. The bishop at that time, Orso de Leone, undertook the responsibility of the rebuilding, of which remains can still be seen in the ancient crypt and in the lower part of the internal pilasters (now plastered).

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